trying to figure out my life.

GregRN · Jan 31, 2007

Nice topic name uh?
I'm still planning a career as an RN. I would like to relocate to another state (getting away from Ohio.) When get an RN license from where took classes, How can I get work in another state? Should I move out of state then go to RN classes? My only fear is I don't know the schools' reputation where I'd like to move. I was under the impression that when I get my RN I can work anywhere. Isn't that true? (happy drinking coffee waiting on responses) :smilecoffeecup: :smilecoffeecup: :smilecoffeecup:

Keep in mind that if you move to another state you'll have to wait at least a year to qualify for "in-state" tuition of you go to a state school. Private schools are the same cost regardless.

Google the term "compact licensure" and see which states fall under that. If Ohio is a compact licensure state and the state you move to is also one, then not much is needed to work in that state. Even if you first were to get your RN in Ohio and wanted to transfer it to another state, it requires a bunch of paperwork but usually not another test of sorts.

Nurse Crystal · Jan 31, 2007

Regardless of the state that you go to school in, you can take the NCLEX (RN boards) in any state. Every state requires you to have a RN license from that state but you do not have to retake the NCLEX in order to get it. You can be licensed in as many states as you want willing on how much money you want to spend. Licensure fees vary among states (mine was around $80). If you live on the border of several states, it is helpful to have multiple licenses so you have more job opportunities and do not have to wait for your license to arrive which can take several weeks to a month sometimes.

As Greg mentioned, state school require that you live in the state for 12 months prior to applying for admissions. Some states will also give you reduced tuition if you live close to the border of that state. You will have to check out the requirements of the school that you are interested in. The school's website is usually a great resource.

Hope this helps you out.

SonicnurseRN · Jan 31, 2007

Travel Nursing is a good option ... maybe go to school in your state & then Travel Nurse once you graduate. The pay is much better & it would give you a chance to experience a wide variety of areas before settling on one.

kukukajoo, LPN · Jan 31, 2007

If you are comfortable and have a good network in current state, stay there. I know it would be a little harder for me to get to know a place and find resources and attend school. I think it would be easier to transfer a license later. Plus you have the in state tuition rates mentioned above.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 31, 2007

As a military wife, I've moved a lot. I did my LPN education in Las Vegas, then we got transferred to Indianapolis and I took the NCLEX-PN there. It is not fun to change schools mid-cycle. I did that too and it's not fun. My advice - decide on one school and go for it.

Travel nursing is an option with a couple of years experience too.

chmiller1229 · Feb 2, 2007

Travel Nursing is a good option ... maybe go to school in your state & then Travel Nurse once you graduate. The pay is much better & it would give you a chance to experience a wide variety of areas before settling on one.

What exactly is travel nursing and How is it performed?

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Feb 2, 2007

Ahhhhhh life huh...risks vs not taking them!...consequences vs not...failure or not...isn't that cut and dry...NOT!

Okay so kiddo...you will suceed in any arena you want...not do so well in others or fail just like...oh HUMAN beings! Never fear...if you fear then you will never win!

I wasn't a bad girl...but did get pregnant with a boyfriend that didnt' want anything to do with it...I was on my own..and labeled a 'bad girl"...wouldn't have mattered the place I would have taken RN school...because that was a memory I had no matter where I went! A hurdle I had to overcome..and my goodness...I did it!!!!!! (I am still so proud, not suprised, but proud...I wasn't someone that couldn't take on a challenge...especially if needed~!).

So...you want to know where to go to school...look it up and do research. I went to an ADN program in Oregon that was so cool that I was lucky to get in...now it is almost impossible...so try to find one that is not impossible to get into!

Be rational but be true to you...find a place you like to live in for you..and a nursing school nearby if you can. Trust me, the more secure and sound you feel..the better you will do!

Oh btw..I am living on 1.5 acres of the most heavenly land...just below the coastal mountains in Oregon....with a wonderful paramedic hubby that loves me so much, and my child is happy! I played things by what I WANTED and gave a bit for realistic expectations...and GOT IT! You can too!!!

sabadao22 · Feb 2, 2007

hello everyone...

peacelovestar · Feb 2, 2007

I have a question for those reading this thread. I know they are simple questions but I figured you'd be the best people to ask.

How often do you have to renew your license? Does it cost money everytime?

Christie RN2006 · Feb 2, 2007

Keep in mind that if you move to another state you'll have to wait at least a year to qualify for "in-state" tuition of you go to a state school. Private schools are the same cost regardless.
Google the term "compact licensure" and see which states fall under that. If Ohio is a compact licensure state and the state you move to is also one, then not much is needed to work in that state. Even if you first were to get your RN in Ohio and wanted to transfer it to another state, it requires a bunch of paperwork but usually not another test of sorts.

Unfortunately Ohio is not part of the compact licensure.

Jo Dirt · Feb 2, 2007

I have a question for those reading this thread. I know they are simple questions but I figured you'd be the best people to ask.
How often do you have to renew your license? Does it cost money everytime?

Everything costs money. But the cost isn't prohibitive. Why don't you take a CNA class to break into nursing? That would be better than going into it with no idea what nursing is like. Nursing is very hard and stressful.

And stay in Ohio until you're finished. Will be lots cheaper.